Pavillon Rouge du Château Margaux, the esteemed second wine of Château Margaux, was first officially produced in 1906. After a hiatus during much of the mid-20th century, production resumed in 1977 under the revitalizing leadership of André Mentzelopoulos. Since then, Pavillon Rouge has evolved through increasingly rigorous selection, especially after the introduction of a third wine in the 1990s, solidifying its reputation as a refined and expressive reflection of the Margaux terroir.
This 2009 offers a seductive bouquet of black raspberry, cedar, and forest floor, interwoven with floral nuances. The palate is round, generous, and full-bodied, with seamless integration of ripe black fruits and polished tannins. The wine’s structure is elegant yet powerful, showcasing the estate’s hallmark balance and refinement. A wine of remarkable finesse and depth.
Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon 67%, Merlot 29%, Petit Verdot 4%
95 James Suckling This is wonderful to taste, with plums, berries, strawberries, and flowers. It's full and creamy textured, with gorgeous ripe tannins and a long, long finish. Such balance. Amazing tannin quality. Second wine of Margaux. One of best Pavillon Rouges ever. Try after 2018.
95 James Suckling Very ripe for a second wine this is now delicious thanks to the rich blackberry and cassis fruit, full supple tannins and long finish that's simultaneously dry and creamy. Where is that porterhouse steak? Drink or hold.
93 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate The estates second wine, the sexy 2009 Pavillon Rouge du Chateau Margaux, offers lots of black raspberry, cedar and foresty/underbrush notes in its round, generous, full-bodied, seductive embrace of black fruits interwoven with floral notes results. This seamless second wine is one of the finest Chateau Margaux has made to date. Enjoy it over the next two decades.
93 Vinous The 2009 Pavillon Rouge de Château Margaux has quite a Pauillac-inspired bouquet. Fresh and lively touches of pencil box and leather infuse the black fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, fresh and vibrant and conveying an irresistible sense of energy. It is not a deep or densely structured Margaux but it feels long and tender. Excellent. 13.9% alcohol. Tasted blind at Farr Vintners’ 2009 Bordeaux tasting.
93 Tim Atkin MW Paul Pontallier is considering the possibility of a third wine in 2009, such (in his view) is the quality of his second wine, Pavillon Rouge. This has a delightful elegance to it: silky and fresh, with red and black fruits intermingled on the palate and grainy tannins. The 60% new barrels are a little too prominent at the moment, but should fade into the background with time. 10+ years.
